Abstract
ABA (Applied behavior analaysis) therapy, introduced by Ivar lovaas, is a widely used method for autism therapy in the world due to its success rate. In this therapy, a table is used during individual treatment as a medium for giving instruction and performing tasks between a therapist and an autistic child. In general, this table is similar with ordinary tables that have rectangular or circular top surfaces and dimensions appropriate for children. However, in Indonesia, the table being used is usually modified with a half-oval hole at the side that faces the child. This study discusses the effects of such table for autism therapy and its effective use for autism therapy. FGD (focus group discussion) was conducted with 8 experts in autism therapy in Surakarta including therapists, psychologists, head of autism therapy, and a professor in autism. Almost all agreed that it is necessary to make a half-oval hole on one side of the table to overcome problems such as children who are less involved during therapy and wanting to leave the table quickly, having lack of concentration and even pushing away the table. This kind of table encourages children to be more engaged with the therapy activities. Since the distance between the therapist and the child is closer, It can help therapist in giving instruction and managing the child behavior. However, it is necessary to maintain the children’s condition to be relaxed and not depressed, because the basic principle of behavior therapy is giving children a space to explore and develop.
Author Information
Lulu Purwaningrum, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Anung Studiyanto, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Joko Yuwono, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Satoshi Muraki, Kyushu University, Japan
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